Abstract

Tanah Kao as part of Ternate’s Islamic rule is not mentioned in many historical literatures which is dominated by sources about Tobelo in relation to the history of Hibualamo and the Moro Kingdom. However, based on the people’s folklore, it is said that the identity of the origin of North Halmahera community derives from Telaga Lina in Tanah Kao. Based on the folklore, this research was conducted in the Kampung Tua Kao (Old Settlement Site in Kao). This research reveals the identity of the people who inhabit the Kampung Tua Kao and the traces of Islamic civilization on Kampung Tua Kao by using literature study, field survey, and archaeological excavation. Based on the results of literature studies and previous research there are theories that explain the identity of the origin of the Kao people but entirely derived from Telaga Lina in the Tanah Kao. Based on archaeological survey and excavation in the Kampung Tua Kao, it was found a number of archaeological remains in the form of artifacts and features. The remaining artifacts were found in various fragments of earthenware and foreign ceramics, while the remaining features encountered including a number of ancient tombs, grave tombs, lutur, and mosque poles. Based on these data, this study proves the existence of the Muslim community who has lived and inhabited the Kampung Tua Kao in the past and there are various cultural interactions within the community.